This is probably like preaching to the choir because of course all Bostonist readers promptly shovel their sidewalks. But, in light of City Councilor Chuck Turner's claim that he wasn't going to shovel his sidewalk because people in his neighborhood didn't walk on them (!!!), it's even more important to shovel because the disabled are having a hard time getting around.
Andrea Estes at the Globe does some old-school citizen journalism on the Neighborhood Access Group, which is fighting for the disabled. The group is frustrated because some organizations haven't been doing their shoveling, and they're not afraid to name names--the Division of Conservation and Recreation, Northeastern University, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Disabled people cannot get around on these sidewalks, and it's not like they want to sit at home all day. Nor do they want to go skidding on an icy sidewalk. One woman pointed out that, even when people shovel, the paths aren't wide enough for a wheelchair.
Geoff Edgers at the Globe's Exhibitionist blog also posted about this situation and included a photo of group member John B. Kelly, who is in a wheelchair, before an unshoveled sidewalk. For photos of trouble spots, go to Neighborhood Access Group's Flickr set, and read more at the Neighborhood Access Group blog.
A modest proposal: If you want to give a neighbor or a friend a present, ask if you can help them shovel. And then shovel for the person next door, too. Another bonus: You'll work off your Christmas cookies.
Related: Assholes who don't shovel the sidewalk, Chuck Turner's excuse for not shoveling his own sidewalk
Image of a sloppy shoveling job courtesy of John B. Kelly.
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